S.Korean workers reject new wage system

Thursday, September 29, 2016 - 00:52

South Korean workers at state-backed railways, hospitals and banks have staged a strike to demand that the government roll back measures that link pay to job performance instead of seniority. Hayley Platt reports.

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Workers from South Korea's state-backed railways, hospitals and banks turned out in droves.
Gathering in Seoul to protest over a new government wage system.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SECRETARY OF POLICY AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT OF KOREA PUBLIC SERVICE AND TRANSPORT WORKERS' UNION, PARK JOON-HYOUNG, SAYING:
"We demand an end to the illegal wage system which is based on performance, and is being pushed by the government. It will hurt the people."
Police estimated around 40,000 people took part in the rally, organised by the country's two main unions.
Workers are currently paid and promoted according to their seniority.
The government wants to change the system to boost productivity.
South Korea may be an economic powerhouse - but last year it came 77th out of 138 in the World Economic Forum's labour productivity survey.

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